Child rapist gets life in prison

SAN ANDREAS - A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to a life term in prison for raping a 6-year-old child.

The Record

SAN ANDREAS - A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to a life term in prison for raping a 6-year-old child.

Robert Walker was found guilty in June following a five-day jury trial in Calaveras County Superior Court.

The crime of raping a child younger than 10 calls for a maximum sentence of 25 years to life, but Walker received an additional two years because of his past criminal record. He was sentenced Monday.

The rape was reported to authorities by the child's mother after she learned of the abuse in 2012. The assault had happened in 2008, when the victim was 6 years old.

Authorities worked closely with social services to help the child during the process.

"The victim was incredibly courageous and, in my personal opinion, is a hero for coming forward," Deputy District Attorney Dana Pfeil said. "The numerous delays by the defense were discouraging at times, but we worked closely with the victim, and the victim persevered."

Advocates say the result of this case should help victims who have been reluctant to come forward to have hope for their own outcome.

"Reporting these types of crimes is never easy, and the wheels of justice often turn slowly, but this case is an example of the criminal justice system supporting a victim of crime, and it sends a message that sexual violence is not OK," said Kelli Fraguero, chief administrative director of the Calaveras Crisis Center.

Walker also was sentenced to another year for continuously disobeying court orders by calling and sending letters from jail to the child's mother.